Accidental ingestion of human and animal medications is one of the most common toxicities in companion animal medicine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the biggest culprits. Maybe a pill rolls under the couch, or a curious dog noses a bottle off the counter before you know it, a…
Our canine friends can become infected with a wide variety of infectious agents. We explored many of them, including parvovirus and leptospirosis, in previous posts. This week I share information about another one – salmon poisoning disease. Happy reading! Salmon poisoning disease – What is it? Salmon poisoning is caused…
One might think in a time when highly effective and safe vaccines for canine distemper virus are widely available this debilitating disease would be eradicated in the developed world. Sadly, that is not the case. In fact, canine distemper is still rampant in some areas of the United States. As…
Summer is rapidly approaching for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. For some, the warm weather can’t come fast enough. With warmer weather comes the fact many families plan holidays, and many opt to travel to tropical climates for some much needed (and earned) rest and relaxation. Some families…
The intestinal tract is quite long. It starts at the mouth and ends at the rectum. Near the end of the intestinal tract is the large intestine, otherwise known as the colon. When the colon becomes inflamed, we use the term colitis. Colitis is a relatively common problem in dogs…
Most dog owners have heard of many of the common gastrointestinal problems that afflict dogs. Parvovirus in dogs. Intestinal parasites (aka “worms), foreign objects causing an obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even gastric dilatation-volvulus (aka: “bloat”). Yet, there is one about which few parents know. Which one you ask?…
The world is full of infectious organisms that cause disease in our pets. One problematic parasite is called Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in cats. Toxoplasmosis is relatively common in our feline friends, yet is under-recognized as potential cause of a pet’s clinical signs. This week I share…
As a new home owner, I’m in the process of landscaping my property. Suffice it to say, I want a lot of greenery – plants and shrubs, galore! Yet one type of plant I plan to avoid like the plague is the sago palms. Why? They are intensely toxic to…
The environment contains all sorts of infectious organisms, little microscopic critters that can cause illness in our beloved dogs and cats. One such infection called coccidiosis is a common parasitic infection of the small intestine. Given the prevalence of this disease, I wanted to share some useful information about it…
Every day I take a multi-vitamin. After all, medical doctors advocate vitamins are healthy supplements when taken appropriately. The same is true for dogs and cats. Unfortunately, too much of some vitamins is not good. In fact, ingestion of toxic amounts of specific vitamins can be deadly. This week, I…